Posted by Brian England on Thu, Sep 02, 2010
When you are ready to trade your used car for a new one, trading in your old vehicle to a dealer is probably the easiest thing to do, but it will also probably bring you least dollars. If you are time constrained, and simply don't want the hassle of having to do anything around getting rid of your old car, trading it in is probably a good option. Essentially, you are making the decision that your time is worth more than the extra money you could get by selling the vehicle yourself which in many cases can be over 50% more than you can get from a dealer.
Selling privately should bring you a higher price, but it will also take more of your time. When selling privately, you should take the car through the Maryland State Inspection before advertising. If it passes the MD inspection, it's a great selling benefit. If it fails, you can have it fixed so that you can offer the vehicle as having "Passed the MD State Inspection". Alternately, you can not fix the vehicle, but be honest with potential buyers and tell them exactly what repairs are needed.
Another option is to donate your old car to a charity and take a tax write-off. This has become more and more popular especially if the car is old and not in good shape. But, many people don't realize the rules for donating and writing off the vehicle's value.
Car donors used to be able to deduct the "fair market value" or "Blue Book value" of their car donation. In 2005, the bill was changed to allow this deduction only on cars donated to charities that actually use the car to help low income families. BEWARE; most organizations sell the donated cars at wholesale auctions. Under the law, donors will be able to deduct only the amount for which the car is sold at auction! This donation typically results in a deduction of a fraction of the fair market value.
In addition the charity must prepare and you must attach to your tax return, a statement identifying the vehicle and stating the amount for which it was sold. Failure to attach the statement will result in disallowance of your deduction.
So when making the decision about which path to take with your old car, just be sure to do your homework and figure out how much time you will have to dedicate to getting the job done. Don't end up with an old car sitting in your driveway!
photo courtesy of caius
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Aug 26, 2010
A Columbia area business that a lot of British American Auto Care Customers come from is the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). It seems like t
here is not a day when the British American Auto Care courtesy van is not taking someone to APL. When I drive the van it always interests me to hear about the different things they do there. This continuously growing facility is more like a small town now, it employs thousands of people and is one of the engines of the Howard County economy. Every time I talk to someone who works there they always have an interesting story about a cutting edge technological achievement or experiment. I love to hear about their space probes; at the moment they have one probe about to go into orbit around Mercury and another reaching outwards towards Pluto! Last year they sent an instrument on the Indian mission to the moon, this produced a radar map of the surface of the moon. To quote APL "APL has designed, developed, and launched 64 spacecraft and over 150 space instruments. We're developing new space concepts, technology, and implementation strategies while also helping to heighten interest in science and engineering careers through space educational programs" On top of this they do work for Homeland Security, defense, biomedicine and the list goes on. All this right here in Howard County.
Just as it's important for APL to stay on the cutting edge of technology, we feel it's important for us to stay on the cutting edge of achievements in automotive technology. It can make the difference in quickly diagnosing a car problem or having the expertise to service a vehicle that utilizes advanced computer systems and technologies that improve vehicle safety and performance.
Many of APL employees have been loyal customers and it has been a pleasure to service them for many years here at our Columbia, MD auto repair shop. We love hearing their stories almost as much as we love staying on top of new automotive technologies.
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Aug 19, 2010
A Maryland State Inspection should be performed when you are selling a car or you have just moved into the state. Sometimes people buy a car without a Maryland State Inspection, and they end up having to have the inspection performed in order to complete the titling and registration process, but that's not a good idea. A Maryland Vehicle Safety Inspection is a very good check out of all the safety items on a car, but it's important to remember that it's just a safety inspection. It doesn't guarantee the mechanical soundness of the vehicle, so if you're buying a used car, it's still a good idea to have the vehicle checked out by someone you trust. The state inspection includes a check of brakes, steering, suspension, lights, exhaust, seat belts, emissions items, glass etc. (See list below.) The list is very long and is posted at every Maryland State Inspection Station. Inspections take just over an hour and include a headlamp adustment. If your car fails you have 30 days to have it repaired. If your car passes, the Maryland State Inspection certificate is valid for 90 days. A well maintained car will pass. You can help the process by making sure all the tires are good, the lights work and the wipers clean well. If you are handy and work on your own car then follow the list below. The only thing you might get stuck on is measuing the rotors and brake pads. Inspections can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 and in most cases have to be left at the inspection station for at least half a day. If you have any questions tweet me at brianecaradvice or check out the official Maryland MVA vehicle safety inspection page.
1.OBTAIN VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND ODOMETER READING
2. INSPECT STEERING FOR:
(A) STEERING WHEEL CONDITION
(B) STEERING COLUMN CONDITION
(C) LASH
(D) TRAVEL FOR JAMMING OR BINDING
(E) LINKAGE FOR EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY
(F) POWER STEERING CONDITION
(G) VEHICLE MUST BE ROAD TESTED
3. INSPECT WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR:
(A) TOE READING
(B) CASTER AND CAMBER ONLY IF ROAD TEST INDICATES
(C) REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT & AXLE
4. INSPECT SUSPENSION FOR:
(A) BALL JOINT WEAR
(B) KING PIN OR SPINDLE BOLT CONDITION
(C) WHEEL BEARING CONDITION
(D) SPRINGS AND TORSION BAR CONDITION
(E) SHOCK ABSORBER OR STRUT CONDITION
5. INSPECT BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR:
(A) STOPPING DISTANCE, EITHER ROAD TEST OR DECELEROMETER
(B) HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CONDITION
(C) DRUM AND DISC CONDITION
(D) LINING AND PAD CONDITION 2/32 I- NCH GENERAL MINIMUM
(E) GENERAL CONDITION OF MECHANICAL LINKAGE
(F) VACUUM OR HYDRAULIC BOOSTER SYSTEM
CONDITION
(G) PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION
6. INSPECT TIRES AND WHEELS FOR:
(A) CONDITION OF TIRES, SIZE, TYPE AND TREAD DEPTH
(B) CONDITION OF WHEELS, NUTS, STUDS, OR LUGS
7. INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:
(A) FUEL TANK CONDITION AND LEAKS
(B) CHOKE, HAND THROTTLE AND ACCELERATOR OPERATION
8. INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:
(A) CONDITION OF MANIFOLD, ALL PIPING, MUFFLER, RESONATOR AND THE TAIL PIPING. TO INCLUDE LEAKS AND PROPER MOUNTING
9. INSPECT BUMPERS FOR:
(A) CONDITION OF BUMPERS INCLUDING HEIGHT AND PROPER MOUNTING
10. INSPECT FENDERS FOR:
(A) CONDITION OF FENDERS TO INCLUDE MOUNTING AND COVERAGE OF WHEELS AND TIRES
11. INSPECT LIGHTING FOR:
(A) CONDITION AND FUNCTION OF OF ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT LIGHTING AND WHATEVER ADDED LIGHTS ARE AUTHORIZED.
(B) INSPECT HEAD LIGHTS FOR CONDITION, CANDLE POWER OUTPUT AND AIM
(C) INSPECT AUXILIARY OR FOG LIGHTS FOR AIM AND PROPER MOUNTING
12. INSPECT MIRRORS FOR:
(A) CONDITION OF MIRRORS TO INCLUDE UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW OF BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRRORS WHEN REQUIRED
13. INSPECT VEHICLE GLAZING FOR:
(A) PROPER MATERIALS USED FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
(B) OPERATION OF DRIVER WINDOW
(C) DAMAGE THAT EXCEEDS ALLOWABLE LIMITS
(D) TINTING NOT INCORPORATED INTO THE GLAZING EXCEPT AS NOTED IN THE PROCEDURES.
14. INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FOR:
(A) SATISFACTORY OPERATION AND CONDITION OF ARMS AND BLADES
15. INSPECT HOOD/CATCHES FOR:
(A) CONDITION AND PROPER FUNCTION OF HOOD FOR FULL CLOSURE
16. INSPECT DOORS, HANDLES AND LATCHES FOR:
(A) CONDITION AND PROPER FUNCTION OF ALL DOORS, LATCHES, HINGES AND
HANDLES
17. INSPECT FLOOR AND TRUNK FOR:
(A) HOLES OR RUSTED OUT AND WEAKENED CONDITIONS IN FLOOR OR TRUNK PAN
18. INSPECT SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER FOR:
(A) OPERATION AND LEGIBILITY
(B) REGISTER IN MPH OR KILOMETERS
19. INSPECT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR:
(A) PROPER CONDITION AND FUNCTION OF HORN
(B) CONDITION OF WIRING AND SWITCHES
(C) NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ONLY
(D) CONDITION OF BATTERY CABLES AND HOLD DOWN
20. INSPECT DRIVERS SEAT FOR:
(A) PRESENCE, CONDITION AND MOUNTING
21. INSPECT SAFETY BELTS FOR:
(A) PRESENCE, CONDITION AND OPERATION AND MOUNTING
22. INSPECT MOTOR MOUNTS:
(A) IF ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED WITH; CHECK PRESENCE AND CONDITION
23. INSPECT GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR FOR:
(A) PROPER INDICATION OF CORRECT POSITION
24. INSPECT UNIVERSAL JOINTS / CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINTS FOR:
(A) ATTACHMENT AND WORN, DAMAGED, OR LOOSE JOINTS
(B) TORN OF DAMAGED CV BOOTS
25. INSPECT EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER CONNECTION:
(A) CATALYTIC CONVERTER
(B) POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION
(C) AIR INJECTION SYSTEM
(D) EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM
(E) EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Aug 12, 2010
The other day I was taking someone home to Oakland Mills Village and we were chatting about the Oakland Mills Village Center. When my wife and I first came to Columbia in 1973 our first home was in Oakland Mills. We loved the village center that had everything, bank, hardware store, grocery store, shoe repair, pub, photo shop, baker, barber and butcher. It used to have a busy gas station and an auto repair shop too. Oakland Mills went through a hard time a few years back; if you ask people now most remember the negative. In this instance however, I was delighted to here a customer rave about Oakland Mills Village. She loved the walk-a-bility, the shopping center had most of her needs and now they have just finished a nice walkway connecting the Village Center with the Interfaith Center. On top of this a Farmer's Market comes to the village on Sundays from 9am - 1pm. She pointed out that it is a quick walk to downtown Columbia and then on July the 4th they have the best view in town! Now this lady was not the first person last week to talk about how they liked living in Oakland Mills, one of our automotive service writers just moved there and was saying how great it was to be in walking distance of downtown, he said he and his friends could have a night out at the new pub downtown and walk home in just 10 minutes. It is great to see that the revitalization of Oakland Mills has started and that people are finding out it is a great place to live.
In many ways, this makes me think of some of the older cars that many of us are still driving around in. Just because they get a little bit older, doesn't mean that they should be candidates for neglect. Make sure your older vehicle is safe to drive. Similar to the revitalization of Oakland Mills Village, a little preventative maintenance and TLC for your older car may be just what's needed.
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Aug 05, 2010
I am asked many times, "Should I continue preventive maintenance and auto repairs on my high mileage vehicle or just sell the car?" Today, well maintained cars will last well over 200,000 miles. With that in mind I am often asked, "When is the right time to sell my car?" "Should I keep maintaining it and drive it for another 200,000 miles"? My answer is, you have maintained the car to keep it reliable and safe, so why sell it? Then my next comment is, but there is a good reason to sell your car and buy a new model. New cars have improved safety features; by buying new, you will upgrade to the latest features. New vehicles now have side air bags, intelligent air bags, stability control, special suspension systems, improved anti lock brakes, improved wheels and tires with low pressure warning systems, radar cruise control system, and rain sensing wipers. New vehicles are becoming safer and they are becoming smarter.
Here are some of the new features in systems that are coming in the future or are already features on high end vehicles:
Accident avoidance systems. The vehicle has sensors that are positioned outside the car that can sense if there is a car in your blind spot. It will then send an audio warning, or in some cars will flash a warning signal in the outside review mirror.
Soon cars will communicate with each other, warning other vehicles that there is a problem. For example, if a vehicle a few cars ahead has a mechanical problem or is involved in an accident it will send out a warning signal. Your car will receive the signal and warn you of a problem on the road ahead. It might even put on the brakes automatically.
How about driving your car without using you hands! Well not quite, but there are cars being developed that follow the line markings on the road and also keep track of the vehicles around you. If you begin to wander out of your lane, a warning signal goes off and the car may even steering itself back into the lane possibly avoiding an accident. BMW is going to include a night vision system on its 7 series vehicles. By using infrared technology it will illuminate any heat-emitting object up to 1000 feet in front of you, and display it on a screen in the center of the dashboard giving you advance warning of a vehicle ahead.
Automated headlights. Cars will have high beam headlamps that will automatically go to low beam on their own when approaching vehicles from behind, or when vehicles are coming the other way. To operate, this feature has a small light-sensing camera in the rear view mirror housing. It monitors the road 3000 feet ahead and will lower the beam when headlamps or rear lights are detected.
Now, if these new safety features don't tempt you to trade in your 200,000 mile car, then how about a few comfort and entertainment features.
Smart Seats and Zoned Heat & Air Conditioning. These include seats that will warm you, cool you, form to your shape adjust any way you want and then remember all your personal settings automatically. Plus, heating and air conditioning systems now have different heating zones so you and your passengers can adjust their own temperature.
Advanced Entertainment & Communication Systems. Entertainment features now include satellite, HD radio and DVD players with screens for each of the passengers in addition to the high-end music systems are now being installed. Communications will be assisted by the use of Bluetooth, a wireless standard that will allow consumers to link their portable electronics with the car, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players etc. Then, if you become lost while enjoying all these features you can speak to the navigation system in your car and ask it to show you where you are and how to get home, or where is the nearest place to eat, or where to fill up with gas.
If you are not tempted by some of these new features, and you have kept your car regularly maintained, then continue to drive your current car and enjoy the simple life. But please continue to use the best auto service Howard County has to offer (us) to keep you safe and reliable.
photo courtesy of stephenbr549
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Jul 29, 2010
2010 Maryland Green Registry Leadership Award for a Columbia Auto Repair Facility -- yes, what a great headline. Earlier this month, I attended a meeting where British American Auto Care was awarded a Green Leadership Award along with NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, GM Baltimore Transmission Plant, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Union Hospital of Cecil County. What great company to win an award with! These are the first awards given out since the Green Registry was started last year.
The night of the award reception was a hot and steamy night. Record temperatures of 105 were reached in Baltimore, and I was worried that the Green Building Institute where the event was being held would not have air conditioning! I had been on a tour of this building, and it is one of the greenest buildings in the world. It uses natural air flow to keep the building cool, but all was cool, and they did have an air conditioning back up for very hot days. So you can be green and stay cool!
About 100 people attended the event and the awards were given out by Shari T. Wilson, Secretary of the Maryland Dept. of the Environment. Each company gave a short speech, and I was first on the line up. I pointed out that the exciting thing about the last two years was the strong commitment to green practices from employees, customers and consultants. We have seen many great ideas come from so many people. This has affected our work culture in a very positive way. On top of this all the projects that we have taken on have made good business sense.
We were all very proud to receive this award from the Maryland Department of the Environment who have been a wonderful agency to work with over the years. They have provided great training and support with the vehicle emissions program, the Green Registry and on storm water issues.
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Jul 22, 2010
After performing preventive auto maintenance on your car for many years there comes a time when we say "It's time to buy a new car" or change to a good used car.
While the economy is still slow the automakers are offering special incentives to tempt us to buy a new car. Very low interest rates and discounts are being offered to get us to spend and help with the re-growth of the economy, but buying a new car is an important decision. Whatever car you choose, buying a new car is a major step, and you should take time to make the right decision. Here are a few tips to help you with that decision.
1) Start by making a list of the essential features that you need, and then make a list of the features you would like. By having a list already prepared, it will be much easier to make a decision when it comes to choosing between two cars you like.
Thinking about an SUV? Although it is great to drive a larger vehicle with plenty of metal around you and a high seating position that gives you a commanding view of the road, there are some downsides to these vehicles. They have greater stopping distances, higher costs to maintain and low miles per gallon - and no excuses for not going to work when it snows!
Is an alarm system on your list of features? Recently we have had several customers come in with intermittent starting problems that we have traced to faulty alarm systems installed after the car was built. In many cases, the companies who made or installed the alarm were out of business. Since we had no way to repair them, we had to remove them. If you buy a new car and you want to add a special alarm system, buy the system made for the car by the manufacturer.
And what about undercoating? I don't think extra undercoating is a good investment. Most new cars come with great body protection warranties. One popular national undercoating company requires you to have yearly inspections to keep the warranty in place. Miss one and the warranty is void! We have one customer who faithfully took her Chevy Nova for inspection for 16 years. Then this year, we found rust under the car -- and when she took it back to them, they came out with a lame excuse about a drain plug had not been removed to let out water in the chassis. Definitely not her money's worth!
2) Read consumer reports and other non-manufacturer associated magazines and websites that provide information about the vehicle you are interested in. They can provide you with an objective perspective on the car you're considering.
Is a hybrid car on your list? More and more people have started to ask what hybrid to buy. Check out gogreencarcare.com for more information on buying a hybrid.
3) Visit different dealerships and test drive different models so you can accurately compare features. You are the only one who knows exactly what "feels" right to you.
4) Talk to people who have the same model vehicle that you are considering buying, and find out what their experiences have been. This can help to uncover some things you might not have thought about.
5) And, lastly talk to a good independent auto service repair facility. If you live near Howard County or work in Howard County call us for our opinion. Independent repair shops service hundreds of vehicles every month, and that means they see first hand which makes and models are more reliable, with less repeat problems. Tell them what you are considering and they should give you an honest opinion
Whatever vehicle you end up buying, remember that anyone can maintain it. In fact, it is a good idea to have someone independent look after your new vehicle during the warranty period. Using an independent shop will NOT invalidate your warranty. Independent shops will keep an eagle eye out for possible warranty concerns. Manufacturers typically allow only half the retail repair time to fix problems that are brought in under warranty? That's right - no wonder it can be so frustrating to get warranty repairs done! The dealer technicians have no incentive to point out warranty problems. As most dealers pay technicians for the hours they produce, they are getting half pay for warranty jobs.
Getting a new car is exciting! If that's coming up for you, Congratulations! And remember that you can keep it looking and running like new for many years to come with regular check-ups and preventive maintenance at British American Auto Care the best auto service in Howard County.
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Jul 15, 2010
Well, here at British American Auto Care we don't really get involved in deciphering secret codes, just diagnosing car problems, but I do not think there is a day when our free courtesy van does not visit NSA, the National Security Agency. Actually, I should say we drop someone off just outside one of their gates. It seems that like the parking lots spread for miles just like BWI airport.
Our customers that work at NSA don't talk about what they do, but they often mention the National Cryptologic Museum that is housed in what used to be a motel. It was said that NSA brought the motel because Russian agents were staying there!
Using NSA words:
"Visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the most dramatic moments in the history of American cryptology: the people who devoted their lives to cryptology and national defense, the machines and devices they developed, the techniques they used, and the places where they worked. For the visitor, some events in American and world history will take on a new meaning. For the cryptologic professional, it is an opportunity to absorb the heritage of the profession".
If you would like to learn about what was done in the past be sure to take one of the tours. Most of the time a volunteer will take you round and give you some amazing insight into the cryptological profession and their achivements.
This is a great place to take someone from out of town, it is easy to get to on Route 32 and most people get a kick out going somewhere close to the NSA. They have a gift shop so you can come away with something with their logo on. The NSA is quite open compared to the secrecy that enveloped the agency in years gone by. Plus, they have a website where you can find out more.
Yes, our deciphering is limited to car problems, but there is a cool place right here in Howard County where you can learn about some top secret code cracking that took place in our history.
photo courtesy of the NSA
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Jul 08, 2010
If you have ever used the Internet to find the answer to a health issue you know it can be helpful but it can also be overwhelming and sometimes scary. Well the same thing can happen when you try to use the Internet to diagnose car problems. You can find a lot of information about what could be causing the problem but you may or may not find the right answer. Plus, taking the information you find to your auto repair shop could end up costing you extra money on your repair bill.
When you check a car into an auto repair shop for diagnosis of a problem and you mention a possible solution or a few solutions that you found on the internet, you are putting yourself and the automotive repair shop in an awkward position. The shop often feels obligated to address the problem(s) you bring up before moving on to a real diagnosis. Well, that can be good if your diagnosis is right, but if not, it can end up costing you more money because the auto shop will have wasted time checking out something that wasn’t even an issue -- time that could be better spent doing a proper diagnosis.
A more effective way to use the Internet in finding a solution to your car problem is to find a good diagnostic form. Look for one that has all the questions that a high quality auto service shop is going to ask you before they start any work. By finding and filling out the form ahead of time, you can be on the lookout for things that you may not necessarily be expecting a question on from your repair shop. Take the completed from with you to the auto repair shop, and the technician will be able to use this information to find the problem quickly and efficiently. Quickly and efficiently means less cost to your, so you can see there are big advantages to working with the shop to get the bottom of you car problem.
Another area where the Internet can be of use is in checking to see if any of the manufacturer’s service updates relate to you problem. As cars go through the warranty period and beyond, car makers issue service bulletins to help with the service and repair of their cars. These updates can be helpful in diagnosing your car problem.
photo courtesy of shannonyeh.photography
Posted by Brian England on Thu, Jul 01, 2010
You would not think that auto repair in Howard County would have anything to do with an environmental area. Well, while driving the British American Auto Care free courtesy shuttle one morning with a full load of customers that wanted to go in four different directions the subject came up. I don’t know how the subject came up, but I was surprised to find out that the person I was talking to did not know about the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). I then thought maybe a lot of people do not know about this area that area takes up 1020 acres of land in the middle of Columbia!
It is a gem; it has 5.4 miles of trails and two numbered nature trails, one off Southwind, the other off Trotter Road. One trail has a boardwalk over some wetlands, and the bridges and boardwalks on the rest of the trails make hiking very easy for most people. The Middle Patuxent River runs through the area, and on a hot day you will find teenagers splashing around or sunbathing on the rocks. This is a great area to explore in every season. Check it out for yourself.
Who would think that the best auto repair facility in Howard County would also know about one of the best place to visit in the are too.
I hope you enjoy the MPEA as much as I have.